Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering or purifying water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid including mixing coagulant with the liquid, introducing mixed coagulant and liquid into a primary reaction zone, containing an agitator, of a reactor which is substantially concentrically positioned with respect to a secondary reaction zone of the reactor, introducing flocculant into the primary reaction zone at a location between the agitator and where the mixed coagulant and liquid are introduced into the primary reaction zone, mixing the mixed coagulant and liquid with the flocculant and causing the resulting mixture to flow into the secondary reaction zone, introducing an encapsulating agent into the secondary reaction zone, recirculating the liquid and encapsulated flocs through the primary and secondary reaction zone, and passing the liquid and encapsulated flocs outwardly of the reactor, and an apparatus for treating liquids including a reactor, a draft tube substantially concentrically positioned within the reactor and being positioned such that the liquids may flow inwardl

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating wastewater comprising aerobic microbes and an upflow anaerobic reactor in which the wastewater including various substances such as non-degradable and toxic materials and organic substances could be decomposed biologically. Anaerobic bio-reaction effect could be maximized by maintaining uniformity of inflowing wastewater and recycle sludge or by deferring the heights of inlets.

Abstract: A septic tank (11) having two separate compartments, a trash tank (13) and a mix liquor compartment, using aerobic bacteria to process waste, and methods of its use. A settling compartment allows heavy particles to settle while keeping lighter debris out of a pump (47).

Abstract: A wastewater processing and treatment system utilizes aerobic bacteria in two separate compartments to break down and digest waste. The first settling compartment between the trash tank and the mix liquor compartment is non-existent in conventional aerobic units. The first settling compartment allows for settling of heavy particles and keeps floating debris out of the circulating pump that is located in the mix liquor compartment. In the mix liquor compartment, 100% of the liquid is blended with air several times per hour to increase the efficiency and performance of the unit. The pump intakes on the bottom of the mix liquor compartment allow the pump to remove sludge build-up.

Abstract: Pressure is balanced within a partitioned process vessel by flushing the heads of the vessel. Careful handling of the flush purge removed from the head can mitigate the loss of valuable product to this stream.

Abstract: A clip for supporting the clarifier and the droplines in a wastewater treatment system is disclosed. The clip comprises a pair of parallel main plates wherein at least one main plate contains a groove. The main plates are separated by a bracing plate. The bracing plate is perpendicular to the main plates and is attached to the ends of each. Attached to the free ends of each of the main plates is a pair of mounting plates. These mounting plates are parallel to the bracing plate. In a preferred embodiment, the grooves are “V” shaped and each contains a hole. This pair of holes are vertically aligned, and each hole is sized to contain a dropline.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant includes (i) an aeration vessel having a bottom portion, a top portion and a side portion disposed therebetween to hold a quantity of wastewater, the top portion and the bottom portion being disposed at least 20 feet apart from one and the other to define a depth, the depth being capable of being substantially filled with wastewater; (ii) a coarse bubble diffuser disposed proximal to the bottom portion, the diffuser having a plurality of orifices orientated horizontally toward the side portion; the orifices having a diameter of at least 0.125 inches; and (iii) a source of enriched oxygen gas in fluid communication with the diffuser; wherein the enriched oxygen gas exiting the orifices prevents settling of solid components of the wastewater without the use of a mechanical mixer. Further, the depth of the aeration vessel may be at least about 20 feet or deeper, for instance at least about 30 feet or deeper.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of soot-laden waste water is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of separating the soot from the waste water initially in a clarifier. The concentrated soot is then treated with an activated sludge mixture in a digester with a very long average hydraulic retention time to effectively digest the materials found in the concentrated soot. Soot-free waste water is treated via standard aerobic, and anoxic reactor basins and a clarifier with activated sludge recirculation. The system effectively removes soot from soot-laden waste water in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: A bioreactor tank is internally partitioned into two chambers within which wastewater is respectively aerated and from which a bacteria purified permeate is withdrawn after filtration, while a high bacteria content remnant is recycled between the chambers to repeatedly undergo biological treatment by aeration within one of the tank chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an autothermal aerobic digestion system having closed defoaming system. The system according to the present invention completely controls light and heavy foam by using a series of aeration venturi and defoamer venturi and a foam collector pipe. According to this invention, an internal pressure of a digester is elevated by using inversely troublesome foam, so pathogenic microorganisms is destroyed. In addition to, by using simple venturi, an air inlet, defoaming and a recycling of a warm air can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.

Abstract: A clarification system for fluids in which particles are separated from the fluid by flotation and in which the buoyant media inducing the flotation is recycled. Flotation can be assisted by a flotation assistance device, such as dissolved air flotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid clarifier useful for removing solids suspended in a wastewater stream. Settled biological solids are taken from the clarifier and combined in a mixing chamber with a wastewater stream. The combined liquid is provided to a settling region of the clarifier, and suspended solids settle in a biological solids collection region, from which the solids are taken. Clarified liquid can be withdrawn or permitted to overflow from an outlet region in the settling region of the clarifier. The clarifier can enhance the degree of solids removal from wastewater streams having relatively low total suspended solids values, such as outlet streams from fixed film-type digesters. The clarifier is suitable for use in combination with other components of wastewater treatment systems, and can be included as a module in many kinds of wastewater treatment systems.

Abstract: Method and system for removing accumulated sediment at the bottom of a waste pond or lagoon of a wastewater treatment plant for a petroleum refinery. The system comprises a primary oil separation stage for separating hydrocarbons from the wastewater stream by gravity, a secondary oil removal stage and a biological treatment stage downstream of the secondary oil removal stage. A portion of the sediment from the bottom of the waste pond or lagoon is passed to the secondary oil removal stage and/or the biological treatment stage for processing with the refinery wastewater being treated in these stages.

Abstract: A self-adjusting fluid surface skimmer and a wastewater treatment system incorporating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the skimmer includes an intake passage and an outlet passage. The intake passage comprises first and second passageways connected by a flexible coupling. A collar is positioned around the first passageway near an intake opening. At least one buoyant member is attached to the collar and facilitates self-adjustment of the skimmer. A gas inlet is disposed in the outlet passage and allows for the movement of gas through the outlet passage, which creates a suction effect in the intake passage. The wastewater treatment system comprises an aeration tank disposed in a settling tank such that a clearance is created between the two tanks. A skimmer according to the present invention is disposed within the clearance. The skimmer enables further removal of solids from treated fluid within the settling tank prior to leaving the treatment system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. A bioreactor system is described having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.

Abstract: Method and process for dramatically increasing mixing, energy and operating efficiency of wastewater treatment plants at reduced capital and operating cost per unit volume.

Abstract: An enhanced activated sludge wastewater treatment method increases volumetric pollutant loading, hydraulic loading capacity and nutrient removal efficiency at a conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. The method describes the control of return activated sludge rates, and the operation of partitioned aeration and reaeration zones according to measured properties of the mixed liquor to achieve the claimed benefits. Operating an existing treatment plant according to the enhanced treatment method provides a more consistent treatment process that is resistant to shock loading and increases plant capacity without the need for costly construction and operation of additional reactors and clarifiers.

Abstract: Method of purifying wastewater charged with organic matter which comprises a step of biologically treating the water, during which the organic matter contained in the water is degraded by micro-organisms thereby producing sludge, and a water-sludge separation step, the sludge coming from the separation step being recycled in the biological treatment step, this method being characterized in that it further comprises a step of degrading the sludge, coming either from the biological treatment step or from the separation step, during which the sludge is brought into contact with an ozonated gas under conditions making it possible to obtain a floc consisting of granules whose mean size is greater than 200 microns, the volatile matter content is between 50 and 65%, the thickening factor of this granular sludge, after 30 minutes of settling, always being greater than 4, the conditions for obtaining the said granular sludge consisting in: treating between 0.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for treating wastewater having bio-solids therein. The system includes a tank, a wastewater inlet line, an effluent discharge outlet line, and an aeration source. The tank has an upper aeration chamber and a lower clarification chamber separated by a common inclined partition having an opening defined therein. The inclined partition opens into the lower clarification chamber near a bottom of the tank which allows fluid communication between the upper aeration chamber and the lower clarification chamber. The bottom of the tank has a bio-sludge outlet for removal of settled bio-solids. The wastewater inlet line opens into the aeration chamber and an intake end of the effluent discharge outlet line is positioned within the clarification chamber. The aeration source is positioned within the aeration chamber to supply air to the wastewater within the aeration chamber.

Abstract: An improved production water treatment system and method are disclosed. The treatment apparatus includes a vertically oriented vessel with tangentially disposed injection nozzles including one or more injection nozzles for the introduction of production water and one or more injection nozzles for the introduction of recycled water from the vessel and a sparge gas. The tangential orientation of the injection nozzles creates a cyclonic flow within the vessel for improved sparge gas bubble/hydrocarbon contact. A hydrocarbon-rich layer migrates to the top surface of the liquid in the vessel where it is removed about a center axis of the vessel. The resulting hydrocarbon-lean production water has a sufficiently low hydrocarbon content that it is eligible for more intensive processing, such as with organophillic clay cartridges.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for preventing retrograde flow of fluid, e.g., blood products, into a source of sterile substitution fluid (50). The apparatus of the present invention includes a controllable pinch valve member (110) that is placed on a section of a conduit (90) which carries sterile substitution fluid to an extracorporeal circuit (30). In one embodiment, control over the valve member (110) is based on a control unit (120) using fluid pressures that are sensed upstream and downstream of the valve member (110) by upstream sensor (121) and downstream pressure (122) respectively. The valve member (110) is preferably opened only when the upstream pressure is greater than the downstream pressure. This assures that the substitution fluid flows only in a single direction when the pinch valve member (110) completely occludes the conduit (90) when in a closed position. Therefor, blood will not contaminate the sterile fluid by being drawn into the conduit (90) due to pressure differences.

Abstract: In a vertical shaft bioreactor, improved devices and methods are provided for enhanced secondary and/or tertiary treatment of wastewater, including residential, municipal and industrial wastewater. The devices and methods of the invention are useful for enhanced secondary wastewater treatment, including BOD and TSS removal. Tertiary treatment can alternately or additionally be achieved in the bioreactor with nitrification of ammonia, with nitrification and denitrification, and with nitrification, denitrification, and chemical phosphorus removal. A vertical shaft bioreactor is also provided which achieves thermophilic aerobic digestion and pasteurization of sewage sludges, optionally to produce class A biosolids.

Abstract: Treatment apparatus comprising a chamber (11) for treatment of a process fluid and having at least two regions in each of which the process fluid is caused to follow a circulating path, in which the location of openings (13, 14) for introduction and removal of process fluid to and from the chamber and the shape of means defining the paths followed by the components of the process fluid through the chamber is such that the circulating paths followed by the process fluid in the two regions have oppositely directed radial components and the two regions communicate with one another such that process fluid introduced into one region is constrained to flow into the other region before leaving the vessel, at least part of the chamber wall (12′) being formed as a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing compost tea wherein compost material is passed through a separator housing in such a manner so that microorganisms on the compost material is washed from the compost material and is delivered to a separator tank positioned below the separator housing. The wash water from the separator tank is recirculated through the apparatus until the desired concentration of microorganisms has been achieved.

Abstract: A biofilm support including a plastic biofilm support element having a maximum dimension which does not exceed 50 mm and having a specific gravity of between approximately 0.70-0.91. A method of manufacture of a biofilm support and a waste water treatment system employing the biofilm support are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filtration system for cleaning the fluid in a wash tank. The filtration system includes a process tank from which fluid is pumped to a filter element located in the wash tank. The filter element is formed of hollow porous tubes. The fluid is pumped from the process tank through the hollow porous tubes and back to the process tank. The fluid in the hollow porous tubes is at a greater pressure than that of the fluid in the wash tank in which it is submerged, such that fluid, but not particulate matter, with flow through the pores in the tubes to the wash tank. Cleaned fluid is thereby provided to the wash tank and fluid with a higher concentration of contaminants is returned to the process tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building a lagoon based advanced treatment system or upgrading an existing lagoon system for advanced treatment of wastewater. The lagoon is provided with a baffle to create a complete mix zone in which an aeration system and bioconcentration modules are installed. Biological solids are concentrated in the modules and drop through their open bottoms where the solids are recirculated and mixed by the aeration system. Once a biomass equilibrium is reached in the complete mix zone, excess solids are passed into the rest of the lagoon for standard treatment there. The complete mix zone is operated as a low rate activated sludge process with a detention time much less than for the rest of the lagoon, maintaining sufficient heat and sludge aging to effect complete biological nitrification and/or denitrification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for, and method of, performing various liquid-liquid contacting operations such as solvent extraction, stripping, scrubbing, washing, re-extraction and reacting in a single, integrated column. The ability of the integrated column, which is based on the intermediate decanter, of the present invention, to perform the entire operation of solvent extraction plant in a single column has many technical, economical, ecological and operational safety advantages. Investment costs significantly decrease due to the decrease in the number of columns, decanters, and auxiliary equipment, spare parts, materials inventories and the requisite area for the plant relative to a standard prior art plant. Operating and maintenance costs also decrease due to less pumping between columns and less equipment in operation.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the treatment of wastewater to reduce often associated offensive odors by promoting aerobic conditions through decreasing the amount of oxygen required to maintain aerobic cultures and/or aerobic biological activity in the wastewater.

Abstract: Apparatus can comprise an anoxic zone, an aeration zone in communication with the anoxic zone, and a sedimentation zone in communication with the aeration and anoxic zones. The sedimentation zone may include a first outlet in a lower portion thereof adapted to recycle material. A device may be provided to control the flow rate of the recycle material. Another device may be positioned relative to a sedimentation zone inlet and adapted to manipulate a material flow profile as material travels into the sedimentation zone. A sedimentation zone may also define an inlet comprising an overlapped area. Methods for purifying a waste inlet material comprise the steps of providing an anoxic zone, an aeration zone and a sedimentation zone. The methods may comprise the step of recycling material from a first outlet in a lower portion of the sedimentation zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for biological wastewater purification. According to the invention an activation tank (10) is provided in which, with feed of a catalyst, wastewater constituents are degraded by degradation means (11), for example microorganisms, suspended in the wastewater. In the activation tank (10) is disposed at least one lamellae pack (50) in or on which the degradation means (11) suspended in the wastewater are separated out by sedimentation to fall as thickened sedimentation means sludge (11′) to the bottom region (15) of the activation tank (10). In the said bottom region (15) of the activation tank (10) is provided forced recirculation (20, 22) of the degradation means, which takes up the thickened degradation means sludge (11′) and recirculates it as suspended degradation means (11) back to the activation tank (10).

Abstract: A wastewater treatment unit (10) including a recirculation chamber (32), a dosing chamber (34) having no direct fluid connection to the recirculation chamber (32), and at least two filter layers (28, 30) in a single tank (12). Each filter layer (28, 30) containing filter media (56) and being located above the recirculation (32) and dosing chambers (34). The wastewater treatment unit (10) also including an influent pipe (50), a recirculation pump (72) located in the recirculation chamber (32), and an effluent discharge pipe (88) connected to the dosing chamber (34).

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for treating wastewater having bio-solids therein. The system includes a tank, a wastewater inlet line, an effluent discharge outlet line, and an aeration source. The tank has an upper aeration chamber and a lower clarification chamber separated by a common inclined partition having an opening defined therein. The inclined partition opens into the lower clarification chamber near a bottom of the tank which allows fluid communication between the upper aeration chamber and the lower clarification chamber. The bottom of the tank has a bio-sludge outlet for removal of settled bio-solids. The wastewater inlet line opens into the aeration chamber and an intake end of the effluent discharge outlet line is positioned within the clarification chamber. The aeration source is positioned within the aeration chamber to supply air to the wastewater within the aeration chamber.

Abstract: Process for controlling the retention time of the sludge undergoing clarification in a process for treating wastewater by activated sludge comprising a recirculation of the activated sludge from the clarification stage into the biological basins, characterized in that the rate of sludge recirculation (Qr) is varied so as to maintain a constant recirculated sludge concentration (Cr) while at the same time guaranteeing a retention time (RT) of the sludge undergoing clarification of less than a critical value (RTmax).

Abstract: An integrated biological treatment process and bioreactor system provides means for simultaneous removal of biodegradable solids (TSS), nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) from water and wastewater. The system comprises microbial consortia immobilized in separate bioreactors for anaerobic processes, P removal, denitrification and, optionally, BOD removal and polishing.

Abstract: A waste treatment method and apparatus including an aeration basin for holding waste, an aerating device for aerating the waste and an integral clarifier in which sludge particles separate out of the waste, leaving discharge water and recycled sludge. Between the clarifier and the aeration basin there is at least one opening or conduit through which either or both waste from the aeration basin may flow into the clarifier or recycled sludge from the clarifier may flow into the aeration basin. Preferably, the apparatus facilitates both activated sludge and fixed film processes in a single main tank.

Abstract: A vessel (10) for placement on a land site for sanitary treatment of wastewater, in which an inlet communicates wastewater and suspended solids through a mixing chamber (30) to an aeration zone (34) that receives air from nozzles (37) for biological digestion of the suspended solids and conversion to activated sludge. The activated sludge communicates through an airlift (70) to the mixing chamber (30) for facilitating treatment. The air from the nozzles (37) creates an upflow of wastewater and activated sludge to secondary clarifiers (42) having sludge receiving plates (48) on which the sludge settles, accumulates, and falls from resulting in treated water in the secondary clarifier (42). The treated water discharges in a trough (62) from the vessel (12, 92). A method of sanitary treating of wastewater is disclosed.

Abstract: The control method and apparatus of the present invention is directed for an activated sludge wastewater treatment process. Instrumentation for measuring suspended solids concentration in the aeration tank and in the WAS flow stream communicates with a data processor having at least one data structure. The data structure stores algorithms, constant values including the volume of the aeration tank (VAerationTank), and unit conversion factors. In use, the user inputs to the data processor a desired solids retention time (SRTDesired) to optimize the treatment process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus therefore in which a sludge treatment stage 24 is controlled in response to the density or solids content of the sludge includes flowing sludge along a flow line 1 towards the treatment stage, taking a sample from the flow line 1, degassing the sample to produce a degassed sample, measuring the density or solids content of the degassed sample, and utilizing the measured degassed density or solids content of the degassed sample for controlling the treatment stage 24.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a biological process for continues purification of wastewater by converting its constituents to a solid form that can be easily separated using retainable biological catalysts and a novel reactor hereafter referred to as “Reverse Fluidised Loop Reactor” (RFLR) for performing the above said process.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for filtering particles out of a liquid, in which the liquid containing particles is supplied to a sedimentation tank (12), and the liquid is made, by means of hydrostatic liquid pressure prevailing in the tank, to flow through a filter member (18) on the shell surface of a drum (14) mounted in the tank (12). When the liquid in the tank has risen to a predetermined level above the drum (14) as a result of clogging of the filter member (18), cleaning of the filter member (18) in situ in the tank is initiated.

Abstract: Described is a method and a device for purifying waste water, in particular by means of anaerobic purification. The method is carried out in a waste water- and sludge-receiving container under generation of gas, the developing gas being trapped by a gas collector and the circulation formed by the ascending gas being used for loosening the sludge which has settled on the bottom of the container. Such a method is to be developed in a constructionally simple and more efficient way. To this end the settled sludge should be sucked from the bottom by a gas lifting effect provided by the ascending gas, and should be passed into the upper portion of the container in a condition separated from the waster water in the container, and returned into the waste water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ex situ processes for simple and economical destruction of air, water, and soil contaminants using naturally occurring microorganisms that are widely available in the environment. The processes utilize novel closed-loop recycle schemes which dramatically improve the efficiency, economics, and practicability of destruction of a wide variety of contaminants, especially VOCs and chloroethylenes, and particularly trichloroethylene (TCE). The processes may be applied on a batch or continuous basis to contaminated soil and groundwater, to contaminated effluents from a wide variety industrial operations, or to wherever such amenable contaminants are present. Certain contaminants, particularly chloroethylenes, are known to be difficult to biodegrade aerobically to non-toxic products without the employment of a primary substrate to induce cometabolic degradation.

Abstract: Methods comprise processing wastewater to produce useful products. Preferably wastewater is ash leachate from landfills which is processed using magnetohydrodynamic treatment followed by electrolytic cell treatment to produce sodium hypochlorite. Methods further comprise removal of hazardous substances from wastewater for subsequent storage and processing of wastewater.

Abstract: An enzyme containing in-house digester unit for receiving and treating household waste material, which utilizes settling and biological treatment of solids and wastewater by means of organisms which digest the organic materials contained in the household waste thereby eliminating the need for any chemical treatment or processes.

Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus (10) including one or more vertically oriented curtains (11) each formed of mesh material having a minimal aperture size of 0.001 mm, means for applying liquid waste to said curtain(s) located above said curtain (17, 15) and collection means (20A) for collection of treated waste after passage through said one or more curtains (12). There is also provided a method of treatment of waste using the waste treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A method of biological sewage purification based on that during the purification process the separated water is in determined intervals pumped off from the separation process and the sedimentation is interrupted by its intensive stirring whereupon the sedimentation continues. For this purpose the equipment is equipped with the source of intensive stirring (17) arranged in the feeding tank (6) and the pump (25) for lowering the operating level (19) in the tank (1) before interrupting the sedimentation.